Vanderbilt redshirt freshman says senior should start if healthy

Vanderbilt redshirt freshman Paris Head says that a healthy Steven Clarke should start at cornerback, even if it means taking his job.

Clarke returned to the field without a red, non-contact jersey for the first time during camp on Tuesday after missing the first 10 practice days due to an unspecified injury.

Commodores coach James Franklin noted on Monday that if the season began that day, Head would be the starting cornerback opposite Andre Hal. Head has been slightly more consistent throughout camp than fellow redshirt freshman Torren McGaster, Franklin added.

“It would be awesome to get that starting spot, but Steve is a guy who played for us last year and he’s a great player,” Head said. “Everybody talks about Andre Hal, but I feel like Steve is right there with him. I feel like Steve gives this team the best chance to win. If he can go, I think he needs to be the guy going.”

Regardless of which player gets the starting nod, Head can expect to be in the defensive back rotation (along with McGaster) and get plenty of game reps.

“I’m just trying to take after the older guys, Dre and Steve, just being physical in the run support and staying over the top when I have deep third and things like that,” Head said.

“My biggest strength would probably be being balanced. There’s not anything I do just outstandingly. There’s nothing I do bad. I’m just balanced in all areas of my game. Having J-Matt (Jordan Matthews) and (Chris) Boyd and (Jonathan) Krause to go against every day in practice, those are some of the best receivers in the country. That’s going to be good for me when it comes game time.”

About The Author

Jeff Lockridge

I have been on the Vanderbilt beat since 2009, at The Tennessean since 2000 and a sports journalist since 1997. Prior to Vanderbilt, I covered primarily high schools from 2000-09. My reporting history also includes stints covering the Titans, Auburn and minor league baseball. I'm a Nashville native and a graduate of Overton High (1993) and Austin Peay (1997). I live in Fr